Renovation Frequently Asked Questions

As one of the leading Melbourne bathroom renovation specialists, we like to answer any questions our clients have before, during and after your renovation. Here are some of the more popular questions we are often asked, we hope they may help you.

Of course, we would love the opportunity to quote you on your renovation and answer any further questions you may have.

Q. Are you a registered builder?

A. Cutting-Edge Renovations and Extensions are Registered Builders. By law all builders and trades people must display their license number on any advertisement for their service. You will find our license numbers on our website, but just in case you have missed them, Cutting-Edge Renovations and Extensions hold the following licenses:

Domestic Builder Limited – DB-L-44583

Commercial Builder Limited – CB-L 44585

Demolisher Low Rise BD-L 44584

HIA Member Number 1174092

Q. Why should we use a registered builder for our bathroom renovation, or for that matter any other renovation?

A. By using a registered builder for your bathroom renovation or other renovation, this not only means you get peace of mind by using a licensed builder, the licensing protects you in the following ways:

You know you are dealing with a legitimate business,

The tradesperson for the renovation has the right up to date qualifications for the specific job,

You enjoy better consumer protection.

Q: Can you tell us a little more about how using a registered builder for our renovation could be of benefit?

A. The Building Act 1993 dictates that people engaging in building work (where more than one trade is involved), with clients – for work valued $5,000 or more – need to become registered builders and the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 states that if a builder enters into a contract over $16,000, home warranty insurance must be obtained. Cutting-Edge Renovations and Extensions is a registered builder.

Q: What is Warranty Insurance?

A. Warranty Insurance is when registered builders, such as Cutting-Edge Renovations and Extensions have domestic building insurance for all work over $16,000. This covers you if for example in the event the builders dies or become insolvent or simply disappears! This is in addition to the builder’s contractual obligations and warranties. It also protects consumers in the event their builder cannot finish the building project or fix defects because they have died, become insolvent or have disappeared. Cutting-Edge Renovations and Extensions is a registered builder with warranty insurance.

Q: How long does warranty insurance last for?

A. Domestic building insurance covers costs up to $300,000 to fix structural defects for six years, and non-structural defects for two years

Q: How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

A. There are many factors that affect the cost of your renovation, but they can be divided into two categories: building costs and fitting/fixture costs. The building cost includes all the trades, labour, building materials etc, the quotation we submit to you covers the building costs. Items such as tiles, accessories and bathroom fittings are the items you select for your project, so you will receive a quote from your preferred suppliers for this component. From our experience, the building costs start from $12,000 – $14,000 per bathroom/ensuite; and the tiles, fittings and accessories for your project start from around $4,000 per bathroom. The price of the fittings depends on the items you choose, for instance, custom-built cabinetry is more expensive than pre-made vanities.

Q: What happens after I have accepted your renovation quote?

A. After you have accepted our renovation quote we will arrange another appointment. This second visit is to do a final check and measure. We will also discuss bathroom fixtures and tiles, as well as answer any further questions you may have. We also take this time to review and sign the contract and home owners warranty with you, and lock-in a mutually agreeable start date for your renovations. Then you can sit back and relax knowing your renovation is in excellent hands!

Q: How long will the bathroom renovation generally take?

A. The typical time for a complete bathroom renovation is between 10 – 15 working days, however every bathroom renovation is different. We pride ourselves on the quality of our renovation works and we do not take shortcuts or sacrifice on quality. When we provide a quote, we can also provide our best initial time estimate from the start of bathroom renovation to the completion.

Q: How can I be sure that the renovation will be completed on time?

A. Once you have provided us the go-ahead for your renovation, Cutting-Edge Renovations and Extensions will provide you with an agreement, which specifies a completion date. We use agreements written by the Housing Industry Association, of which we are a member and specify a completion date. We complete our agreements!

Q: What if we want to purchase our own tiles and bathroom fittings for our bathroom renovation, can we?

A. Yes, you can and we encourage you to do so. You know your tastes and budget best, and you may have a supplier that you have dealt with before. We can also give you details of our preferred suppliers if you prefer. We will also help you by providing you with a ‘shopping list’ covering all the items you will need for your renovation, including dimensions and specifications as required.

Q: Will there be much disruption in my home during my bathroom renovation?

A. It is inevitable that there will be some! However, at all times Cutting-Edge Renovations and Extensions we will continually keep you updated on the progress of the your bathroom renovation and will always listen to any concerns you may have to help minimise any disruption to your household.

Q: What about the rubbish from the renovation?

A. At the commencement of your bathroom renovation we arrange a skip bin to be delivered on site for all of the rubbish. Once we have completed your bathroom renovation we clean up and remove all rubbish so your new bathroom is ready to be used. The skip bin is removed after all work has been completed and you are 100% satisfied with your new bathroom renovation!

Q: What about the tradespeople you use?

A. We only use fully qualified, licensed and insured tradespeople. Most have all worked for Cutting-Edge Renovations and Extensions for many years and they are honest, polite, reliable and expertly supervised. Our quality tradespeople will not only respect your home, they will also turn up on time and they will keep the worksite tidy.

: What if we won’t be home during the renovation, will this be ok?

A. We have an excellent reputation and we supervise the renovation from start to finish, which means you can have peace of mind knowing your property will be shown the respect it deserves.

Q: Do you only renovate bathrooms?

A. No we do far more than bathroom renovations! As a registered builder we can also renovate your ensuite, laundry, water closet, powder room, kitchen and more! We also do full or partial house renovations and extensions, including outdoor pergolas, decks, verandahs and alfresco dining areas!